These exciting transactions have accelerated Crestwood’s development as a leader in the industry. Our strategic goal continues to be to build a best-in-class MLP midstream infrastructure company through the acquisition, integration and optimization of high-quality midstream assets that connect fundamental energy supply with energy demand across North America. The continued successful execution of that strategy is premised on meeting the needs of our customers, employees, business partners and key stakeholders, while creating sustainable value for our investors.

Increased Gathering & Processing Activity Drives Growth in 2022

Following a successful 2021 and based on the current prices of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, Crestwood is excited about our 2022 outlook. Across our three core growth areas, the Williston, Powder River and Delaware Basins, producers have forecasted, and we are currently experiencing, increased drilling and development activity compared to the last couple of years. Given our available gathering and processing capacity, budgeted capital expansions and improving customer base, we expect meaningful volume growth across our assets.

As part of our return of capital strategy to our investors, Crestwood is committed to providing a visible, secure and growing common distribution to create sustainable value for our unitholders. Based on our 2021 achievements and strong outlook for 2022, Crestwood announced that we will recommend to our Board of Directors, an increase of approximately 5 percent to its common distribution beginning with the first quarter 2022 payment to unitholders.

Our Authentic Approach to ESG Leadership

Crestwood takes pride in our sector leadership role for promoting sustainability principles across our organization and the midstream industry. We understand that as Crestwood grows through acquisition and organic development, it is our responsibility to engrain ESG principles into our business, operations, and culture. We believe this approach differentiates Crestwood as a leading midstream company and is an essential component of our customer service and community first approach.

Our key ESG actions during 2021 are further described in these proxy materials. We look forward to continuing a dialogue with our stakeholders on our ESG performance.

Recognizing our Energized Workforce

None of this would be possible without our dedicated team of approximately 700 employees. I am proud of their steadfast commitment to advancing Crestwood as a best-in-class midstream operator. In recent years, the Crestwood team has received numerous industry awards which reflect our core values and commitment to customer service. Due to the many talents of our innovative team, we were able to generate record financial results in 2021 delivering record Adjusted EBITDA of $600 million while showcasing solid operating performance and expanding key customer relationships.

When you consider Crestwood’s financial flexibility, history of disciplined growth, and commitment to strong operational results, we are in an excellent position. Looking to the future, we will continue to organically grow our business as new expansion opportunities arise and participate in strategic M&A when prospects emerge that fit our strategic model. I am grateful to our employees, our management team and our Board for their unwavering commitment to excellence every day.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors we thank you, our unitholders, for your continued support and investment in Crestwood.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Phillips

Founder, Chairman and CEO

Crestwood Equity Partners LP

Crestwood Equity Partners LP (NYSE: CEQP) is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream assets located primarily in the Williston Basin, Delaware Basin, Powder River Basin, Marcellus Shale and Barnett Shale. Our operations and financial results are divided into three segments that include Gathering & Processing North, Gathering & Processing South and Storage & Logistics. Across our three segments Crestwood is engaged in the gathering, processing, treating, compression, storage and transportation of natural gas; storage, transportation, terminalling and marketing of NGLs; gathering, storage, transportation, terminalling and marketing of crude oil; and gathering and disposal of produced water.

This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts, including statements regarding our environmental and other sustainability plans and goals, made in this document are forward-looking. We use words such as anticipates, believes, expects, future, intends, and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from management’s expectations are described in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Website references throughout this document are provided for convenience only, and the content on the referenced websites is not incorporated by reference into this document.

General

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the General Partner for the Annual Meeting of Unitholders to be held at 2:00 p.m., Central Time, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. We will conduct a virtual online Annual Meeting this year, so our unitholders can participate from any geographic location with Internet connectivity. We believe this enhances accessibility to our Annual Meeting for all our unitholders, and is particularly important for our unitholders, employees, and community considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Unitholders may participate in the Annual Meeting by registering at www.proxydocs.com/CEQP and entering the control number listed on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card, or voting instruction form, and may submit questions during, or in advance, of the Annual Meeting. Our principal offices are located at 811 Main Street, Suite 3400, Houston, Texas 77002. This proxy statement is first being made available to our unitholders on or about March 30, 2022. References to “CEQP,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “ours” and similar terms refer to Crestwood Equity Partners LP.

Outstanding Securities and Quorum

Only holders of record of our common units and preferred units (collectively, “Units”) at the close of business on March 21, 2022, the record date, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. On that date, we had 97,978,074 common units outstanding and 71,257,445 preferred units outstanding and entitled to vote. Each common unit is entitled to one vote for each director nominee and one vote for each other item to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Each preferred unitholder is entitled to vote on a 1-for-10 as converted basis with every ten preferred units entitled to one vote for each director nominee and one vote for each other item to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. A majority of the aggregate outstanding Units entitled to vote, present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker nonvotes will be included in determining the presence of a quorum for the Annual Meeting.

Internet Availability of Proxy Materials

We are furnishing proxy materials to some of our unitholders via the Internet by mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, instead of mailing or e-mailing copies of those materials. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials directs unitholders to a website where they can access our proxy materials, including our Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and view instructions on how to vote via the Internet, mobile device, or by telephone. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and would prefer to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you have previously elected to receive our proxy materials via e-mail, you will continue to receive access to those materials electronically unless you elect otherwise.

We encourage you to register to receive all future unitholder communications electronically, instead of in print. This means that access to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Proxy Statement, and other correspondence will be delivered to you via e-mail.

Proxy Voting

Units that are properly voted via the Internet, mobile device, or by telephone or for which proxy cards are properly executed and returned will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions given or, in the absence of directions, will be voted in accordance with the Board’s

recommendations as follows: “FOR” the election of each of the nominees to the Board named herein; “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditors; and “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, of our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement. It is not expected that any additional matters will be brought before the Annual Meeting, but if other matters are properly presented, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card or their substitutes will vote in their discretion on such matters.

Voting via the Internet, mobile device, or by telephone helps save money by reducing postage and proxy tabulation costs. To vote by any of these methods, read this proxy statement, have your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card, or voting instruction form in hand, and follow the instructions below for your preferred method of voting. Each of these voting methods is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

We encourage you to cast your vote by one of the following methods:

		VOTE BY INTERNET Units Held of Record: www.proxypush.com/CEQP		VOTE BY TELEPHONE Units Held of Record: 866-318-2454
		Units Held in Street Name: See Notice of Internet Availability or Voting Instruction Form		Units Held in Street Name: See Voting Instruction Form

The way your Units may be voted depends on how your Units are held. If you own Units of record, meaning that your Units are represented by certificates or book entries in your name so that you appear as a unitholder on the records of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, our transfer agent, you may vote by proxy, meaning you authorize individuals named in the proxy card to vote your Units. You may provide this authorization by voting via the Internet, mobile device, by telephone, or (if you have received paper copies of our proxy materials) by returning a proxy card. You also may participate in and vote during the Annual Meeting. If you own Units of record and you do not vote by proxy or at the Annual Meeting, your Units will not be voted.

If you own Units in street name, meaning that your Units are held by a bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee, you may instruct that institution on how to vote your shares. You may provide these instructions by voting via the Internet, mobile device, by telephone, or (if you have received paper copies of proxy materials through your bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee) by returning a voting instruction form received from that institution. You also may participate in and vote during the Annual Meeting. If you own Units in street name and do not either provide voting instructions or vote during the Annual Meeting, the institution that holds your Units cannot vote your Units at the meeting.

Voting Standard

A nominee for director shall be elected to the Board by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, by the holders of outstanding Units, voting as a single class. The conversion ratio of preferred units to common units is currently 10-to-1, but may be adjusted to account for unpaid distribution on such preferred units as needed. Abstentions and broker nonvotes will have no effect on the outcome of the election. Broker non-votes occur when a person holding Units in street name, such as through a brokerage firm, does not provide instructions as to how to vote those common units and the broker does not then vote those Units on the unitholder’s behalf.

For all other matters proposed for a vote at the Annual Meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Units present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter is required to approve the matter. For these matters, abstentions are not counted as affirmative votes on a matter but are counted as present and entitled to vote, and broker nonvotes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of these matters.

Revocation

If you own Units of record, you may revoke your proxy or change your voting instructions at any time before your Units are voted at the Annual Meeting by delivering to the General Partner a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy (via the Internet, mobile device, or telephone or by returning a proxy card) bearing a later date or by participating in and voting during the Annual Meeting. A unitholder owning Units in street name may revoke or change voting instructions by contacting the bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee holding the Units or by participating in and voting during the Annual Meeting.

Participating in the Annual Meeting

This year’s Annual Meeting will be accessible through the Internet. We are conducting a virtual online Annual Meeting so our unitholders can participate from any geographic location with Internet connectivity. We believe this enhances accessibility to our Annual Meeting for all of our unitholders and is particularly important for our unitholders, employees, and community members considering the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

You are entitled to participate in the Annual Meeting if you were a unitholder as of the close of business on March 21, 2022, the record date, or hold a valid proxy for the meeting. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including to vote and to view the list of registered unitholders as of the record date during the meeting, unitholders of record must access the meeting website at www.proxydocs.com/CEQP and enter the control number found on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or on the proxy card provided to you with this Proxy Statement, or that is set forth within the body of the email sent to you with the link to this Proxy Statement. If your Units are held in street name and your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or voting instruction form indicates that you may vote those common units through the www.proxypush.com/CEQP website, then you may access, participate in, and vote at the Annual Meeting with the control number indicated on that Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or voting instruction form. Otherwise, unitholders who hold their Units in street name should contact their bank, broker, or other nominee (preferably at least five days before the Annual Meeting) and obtain a “legal proxy” to be able to attend, participate in, or vote at the Annual Meeting.

Regardless of whether you plan to participate in the Annual Meeting, it is important that your Units be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, we encourage you to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Unitholders are able to submit questions for the Annual Meeting’s question and answer session during the meeting. Unitholders who have been provided or obtained a control number may submit a question in advance of the meeting at www.proxydocs.com/CEQP after logging in with that control number. We also will post a replay of the Annual Meeting on our investor relations website, which will be available following the meeting. Additional information regarding the rules and procedures for participating in the Annual Meeting (including any adjournment thereof) will be set forth in our meeting rules of conduct, which unitholders can view during the meeting. Generally meeting Rules, procedures, code of conduct are posted only during the meeting on the meeting site, not available prior to check-in (15 minutes before meeting start).

We encourage you to access the Annual Meeting before it begins. Online check-in will be available at 1:45pm CT, approximately 15 minutes before the meeting starts on May 12, 2022. If you have difficulty accessing the meeting, please call the technical support number that will be posted in your instructional email you will receive after registering to attend the Annual Meeting. We will have technicians available to assist you.

Board and Governance Structure

Summary of Recent Governance Changes

On August 20, 2021, the Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, was amended and restated as the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”) to, among other things, provide the holders of common units (the “common units”) and preferred units (the “preferred units”) representing limited partner interests of the Partnership with voting rights in the election of the members of the board of directors (the “Board”) of Crestwood Equity GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (the “General Partner”) on a staggered basis beginning in 2022. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, effective as of August 20, 2021, the Board has been divided into three classes of directors. Three Class I directors will serve for an initial term that expires at the 2022 Annual Meeting, three Class II directors will serve for an initial term that expires at the 2023 Annual Meeting, and one Class III director will serve for an initial term that expires at the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Additionally, on August 20, 2021, the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the General Partner was amended and restated as the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the General Partner (the “GP LLC Agreement” and together with the Partnership Agreement, the “Governing Documents”) to, among other things, reflect the provisions in the Partnership Agreement providing the holders of common units with voting rights in the election of the members of the Board on a staggered basis beginning in 2022. Our Partnership Agreement is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2021, and the GP LLC Agreement is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2021.

General Overview and Board Makeup

The Board currently has ten members, including the CEO, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the terms of the Director Nomination Agreement, on February 1, 2022, Oasis Petroleum Inc. (“Oasis Petroleum”), designated two directors to serve on the Board (Mr. Jacobi and Mr. Lancaster). Mr. Lancaster serves as a Class II director and Mr. Jacobi serves as a Class III director. Oasis Petroleum will continue to have the right to nominate up to two directors to the Board, subject to ongoing minimum ownership levels.

The Board is divided into three staggered classes, as set forth below. At each annual meeting, only the eligible directors of a class whose term is expiring will be up for election and, upon election, the elected directors in that class will serve for a term of three years, subject to a director’s earlier resignation, death or removal. If a director is elected to the Board to fill a vacancy, that director will have the same remaining term as his or her predecessor.

Our governing documents require that at least a majority of directors must meet the independence requirements of the national securities exchange on which the securities of the Partnership are listed (currently NYSE).

Class I Directors Standing for Election at the 2022 Annual Meeting

The Board has currently fixed the number of directors constituting the Board at ten. The Board, based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, proposed that the following three nominees be elected at the Annual Meeting, each of whom will hold office until the 2025 annual meeting of unitholders or until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified:

Each of the nominees is currently a director of the General Partner and has been elected to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting or until his or her successor has been elected and qualified. Each of the nominees was most recently appointed Class I directors on August, 20, 2021. Biographical and related information on each nominee is set forth below.

The Board expects that the three nominees will be available to serve as directors. However, if any of them should be unwilling or unable to serve, the Board may nominate and elect substitute nominees, and the proxies will be voted in favor of any such substitute nominees.

				The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each nominee.

In evaluating the nominees for the Board of Directors, the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee took into account the qualities they seek for directors, and the directors’ individual qualifications, skills, and background that enable the directors to effectively and productively contribute to the Board’s oversight of the Partnership, as discussed below in each biography and under “Director Nominee Tenure, Skills, and Characteristics.” When evaluating re-nomination of existing directors, the Nominating and Governance Committee also considers the nominees’ past and ongoing effectiveness on the Board and their independence.

Director Biographical Information

Directors Standing for Election at the 2022 Annual Meeting

Other Directors Not Standing for Election at the 2022 Annual Meeting

Class II Directors (terms expire by 2023 annual meeting of unitholders)

Class III Directors (terms expires by 2024 annual meeting of unitholders)

Director Nominee Tenure, Skills, and Characteristics

In 2021, we established a Nominating and Governance Committee, which meets at least quarterly and reviews the performance, and contributions of existing Board members to the extent they are candidates for re-election, and considers all aspects of each candidate’s qualifications and skills in the context of the Partnership’s needs at that point in time. The Nominating and Governance Committee includes, and has any search firm that it engages include, women and individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in the pool from which the Committee selects director candidates. When considering candidates as potential Board members, the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee will evaluate the candidates’ ability to contribute to such diversity. The Board assesses its effectiveness in this regard as part of its Board and director evaluation process. Currently, of our three director nominees, one is a woman, all are independent, and one has served for five years or less. The Board’s composition also represents a balanced approach to director tenure, allowing the Board to benefit from the experience of longer-serving directors combined with fresh perspectives from newer directors. The tenure range of our Board is as follows:

Among the qualifications and skills of a candidate considered important by the Nominating and Governance Committee are:

Corporate Governance

Board Leadership

The Board is responsible for the control and direction of the Partnership. The Board represents the unitholders and its primary purpose is to build long-term unitholder value. The Board has no policy that requires that the positions of the Chairman of the Board (the Chairman) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) be separate or that they be held by the same individual. The Board believes that this determination should be based on circumstances existing from time to time, including the composition, skills and experience of the Board and its members, specific challenges faced by us or the industry in which it operates, and governance efficiency.

The Chair of the Board is selected by the Board and currently is our Founder and CEO, Robert G. Phillips. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate given Mr. Phillips’ role in founding the Partnership and his significant ownership stake. The Board believes that this leadership structure improves the Board’s ability to focus on key policy and operational issues and helps the Partnership operate in the long-term interests of unitholders.

In addition, the independent directors on the Board have appointed a lead director from the Board’s independent directors, currently Warren Gfeller, in order to promote independent leadership of the Board. The lead director presides over the executive sessions of the independent directors (which occur

at least once a year), chairs Board meetings in the Chair’s absence, works with management and the independent directors to approve agendas, schedules, information, and materials for Board meetings, and is available to engage directly with major shareholders where appropriate. In addition, the lead director confers from time to time with the Chair of the Board and the independent directors and reviews, as appropriate, the annual schedule of regular Board meetings and major Board meeting agenda topics. The guidance and direction provided by the lead director reinforce the Board’s independent oversight of management and contribute to communication among members of the Board.

Director Independence

Because we are a limited partnership, the listing standards of the NYSE do not require that we have a majority of independent directors on the Board, nor that the Partnership establish or maintain a Nominating and Governance Committee or Compensation Committee of the Board. We are, however, required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three members, all of whom are required to be independent as defined by the NYSE. The Board has determined that, Warren Gfeller, John Jacobi, Janeen Judah, N. John Lancaster, Jr., David Lumpkins, Angela Minas, John Sherman, Frances Vallejo, and Clay Williams qualify as independent pursuant to independence standards established by the NYSE as set forth in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. To be considered an independent director under the NYSE listing standards, the Board must affirmatively determine that a director has no material relationship with us other than as a director. In making this determination, the Board adheres to all of the specific tests for independence included in the NYSE listing standards and considers all other facts and circumstances it deems necessary or advisable.

A Director need not be a member of the General Partner or a Limited Partner; however, a majority of the Directors comprising the Board of Directors must meet the independence standards required of directors who serve on a board of directors established by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) thereunder and by the National Securities Exchange on which the common units are listed or admitted to trading (or if no such National Securities Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange).

Risk Oversight

The Partnership faces a number of risks, including environmental and regulatory risks, and others, such as the impact of competition. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the Partnership faces, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In fulfilling its risk oversight role, the Board must determine whether risk management processes designed and implemented by our management are adequate and functioning as designed. Senior management regularly delivers presentations to the Board on strategic matters, operations, risk management and other matters, and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board.

Our board committees assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in certain areas of risk. The Audit Committee assists with risk management oversight including in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our risk management policy relating to our hedging program. The Compensation Committee assists the Board with risk management relating to our compensation policies and programs. The Sustainability Committee assists the Board on matters relating to sustainability, which include environmental risks and opportunities, social responsibility and impacts, employee, contractor and community health and safety, and activities related to stakeholder engagement and community investment. The Finance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities across the principal areas of corporate finance and financial risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board on matters related the evaluation of the Board and its standing committees. succession planning of the CEO and key executive officers and oversight responsibilities regarding the governance of the Partnership.

Board Evaluation

On an annual basis we conduct a comprehensive Board self-evaluation to assess the effectiveness of our Board, committees, and members. Board members complete a detailed confidential questionnaire which provides for qualitative ratings in key areas and seeks subjective comment in each of those areas. A summary report is prepared and presented to the Board. The responses from Board members are summarized without attribution to a particular member to facilitate candid feedback.

The Board and senior executives then review and discuss the evaluation results and any actions to be taken. The results are used to inform Board and committee composition and refreshment, including potential expansion and refinement of the attributes and experience criteria for Board membership, and to address the evolving needs of the company. The evaluation aims (1) to find opportunities where Board and committees can improve their performance and effectiveness, (2) to assess any need to evolve the composition and expertise of the Board, and (3) to assure that our Board and committees are operating in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and committee charters.

Code of Ethics

Crestwood is committed to running an ethical business, which is supported by our clearly articulated policies and rigorous management systems and processes. We have adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that outlines our guiding principles and expectations, which can be found at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Each officer, director and employee is responsible for upholding our standards for ethics and integrity as set forth in the Code. Every two years all directors and employees are required to complete ethics training on our Code.

Any employee witnessing a violation of the Code is asked to report their concern through our independent Ethics Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All employees receive regular communication about the hotline to ensure that everyone knows their reporting options and understands Crestwood’s commitment to ethics and integrity. Our compliance team takes all concerns seriously and follows the necessary protocols and processes to quickly resolve them. We maintain absolute anonymity, to the extent possible, and empower any employee reporting a violation to discuss their concern without fear of retaliation.

We track the number of requests made and the length of time from reporting to resolution to evaluate the success of the hotline. Any ethics violations and results of the whistleblower hotline are reported to the Audit Committee by our Chief Compliance Officer, who also shares quarterly general ethics updates with the Board.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board has adopted a robust set of Corporate Governance Guidelines that addresses the goals and expectations with respect to key corporate governance matters. The Guidelines address the following topics:

Please visit our investor relations website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors, “Governance,” for additional information on our corporate governance.

Board Meetings and Committees

The Board meets in regularly scheduled sessions and holds special meetings and acts by unanimous written consent whenever circumstances require. Our independent directors meet in executive session at least once a year. During 2021, there were 17 total meetings of the Board. All incumbent directors attended at least 90 percent of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board and committees on which they served occurring during 2021.

The Board has established an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Finance Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Sustainability Committee, each of which is comprised entirely of directors who meet the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE rules. The committees keep the Board informed of their actions and provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to unitholders. In February 2022, in connection with the Oasis transaction, the Board approved several changes to the Committee assignments. The table below provides current board membership information as well as committee meeting information for the last fiscal year.

Name		Audit Committee		Compensation Committee		Finance Committee		Nominating and Governance Committee		Sustainability Committee
Robert G. Phillips
Warren H. Gfeller
John Jacobi
Janeen S. Judah
N. John Lancaster, Jr.
David Lumpkins
Angela A. Minas
John J. Sherman
Frances M. Vallejo
Clay C. Williams
Total Meetings in 2021		7		6		4		0		4
2021 Attendance Percentage		97%		100%		100%		N/A		100%

		Committee Chair

The functions performed by these committees, which are set forth in more detail in their charters, are summarized below.

Audit Committee

The members of the Audit Committee are Angela Minas (Chair), David Lumpkins and Frances Vallejo. The Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee meet the independence standards of the NYSE and is financially literate. In addition, the Board has determined that Ms. Minas is an audit committee financial expert based upon the experience stated in her biography. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities are to monitor: (i) the integrity of our financial reporting process and internal control system; (ii) the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm; and (iii) the performance of the disclosure controls and procedures established by management, internal audit function and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee charter may be found on our website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Compensation Committee

The members of the Compensation Committee are Clay Williams (Chair), N. John Lancaster, Jr., and Angela Minas. Although we are not required by NYSE listing standards to have a Compensation Committee, three members of the Board serve as members of our Compensation Committee, which oversees compensation decisions for members of the Board, the executive officers of the General Partner, as well as the compensation plans described below. Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews the Partnership’s goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and executive officers and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and key executive officers. The Compensation Committee also assists with administering the equity-based compensation plans and reviewing the compensation related disclosures in the Partnership’s annual proxy statement on Form DEF 14A. The Compensation Committee charter may be found on our website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Finance Committee

The members of the Finance Committee are David Lumpkins (Chair), N. John Lancaster, Jr., and John Sherman. The Finance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities across the principal areas of corporate finance and risk management. The Finance Committee meets at least quarterly, but it is intended that the Finance Committee confer with management on an informal and ad hoc basis as reasonable and necessary to assist management in developing strategies relating to all capital markets, financing activities, corporate financial analysis, and risk management activities. More specifically, duties of the Finance Committee include providing the Board guidance on: (i) the financial status and capital structure of the Partnership, including long-range financial policies and objectives, distribution policy and actions, plans or programs for the repurchase or redemption of Partnership securities, and equity and debt issuances; (ii) the Partnership’s financial strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures; and (iii) the Partnership’s compliance with its material debt instruments and credit facilities in light of the Partnership’s operating strategy, risk exposures, financial policies and changes in applicable laws or accounting requirements. The Finance Committee also performs such other functions and exercise such other powers as may be specified in the written charter for the Finance Committee adopted by the Board. The Finance Committee charter may be found on our website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Nominating and Governance Committee

The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Warren Gfeller (Chair), Janeen Judah and John Sherman. The Nominating and Corporate Governance committee assists the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members consistent with criteria approved by the Board, selects or recommends that the Board select director nominees, oversees the set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Partnership, and oversees the evaluation of the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee meets as often as necessary, but at least quarterly, to fulfill its responsibilities, some of which include: (i) reviewing, as necessary, the size and composition of the Board and its committees and recommend any changes to the Board for approval in its sole discretion; (ii) reviewing appropriately submitted unitholder proposals and recommending responses to the Board; and (iii) overseeing the succession planning for the CEO and other key executives. The Nominating and Governance Committee also performs such other functions and exercise such other powers as may be specified in the written charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee adopted by the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee charter may be found on our website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Sustainability Committee

The members of the Sustainability Committee are Janeen Judah (Chair), John Jacobi and Frances Vallejo. The Board established the Sustainability Committee to provide oversight of the Partnership’s sustainability initiatives and to ensure that environmental, social and governance risks are incorporated into our long-term business strategy. The Sustainability Committee also oversees the development of our sustainability strategy, as well as review and recommend to the Board for approval any sustainability reporting and disclosure. The Sustainability Committee meets as often as necessary, but at least quarterly, to fulfill its responsibilities, some of which include: (i) reviewing and advising the Board on the Partnership’s sustainability goals and commitments, achievements, and reporting targets, (ii) advising the Board of stakeholder concerns and (iii) providing the Board guidance on the Partnership’s advocacy efforts and relations with indigenous people. The Sustainability Committee also performs such other functions and exercises such other powers as may be specified in the written charter for the Sustainability Committee adopted by the Board. The Sustainability Committee charter may be found on our website at www.crestwoodlp.com/investors/governance.

Director Nominations

Pursuant to Section 13.4(b)(vi) of our Partnership Agreement, nominations of persons for election of directors to the Board may be made at an annual meeting of the Partnership (a) by or at the direction of a majority of the directors then in office or (b) by a limited partner (i.e. a unitholder) or group of limited partners (a “limited partner group”), that holds or beneficially owns, and has continuously held without interruption for the prior two years, at least 10% of the outstanding common units or outstanding preferred units that on a converted basis represent at least 10% of the outstanding common units, or any combination thereof.

Any eligible unitholders or limited partner group that wishes to submit a director nomination for the 2022 Annual Meeting must deliver written notice thereof to the General Partner at 811 Main Street, Suite 3400, Houston, Texas 77002. The written notice must comply with Section 13.4(b)(vi)(A)(2) of our Partnership Agreement and the procedures set forth in Section 13.4(b)(vi)(C) of our Partnership Agreement, including the information requirements included in 13.4(b)(vi)(A)(2) of our Partnership Agreement. The chairman designated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 13.10 of our Partnership Agreement shall have the power and duty to (a) determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the above procedures and (b) declare that such nomination shall be disregarded if any proposed nomination was not made in compliance with Section 13.4(b) of our Partnership Agreement.

If each member of the limited partner group (or a qualified representative of each member) does not appear at the annual meeting to present a nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the General Partner or the Partnership. To be considered a qualified representative of a member of the limited partner group, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such Limited Partner or must be authorized by a writing executed by such Limited Partner or an electronic transmission delivered by such Limited Partner to act for such Limited Partner as proxy at the meeting of Limited Partners and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission at the meeting of Limited Partners.

Compensation of Directors

Officers of the General Partner who also serve as directors, such as Mr. Phillips, do not receive additional compensation. Each director receives cash compensation of $100,000 per year for serving on the Board. The lead director, Audit Committee chairperson, Finance Committee chairperson, Compensation Committee chairperson, Nominating and Governance Committee

chairperson and Sustainability Committee chairperson each receive additional cash compensation of $20,000 per year. All cash compensation is paid to the non-employee directors in quarterly installments. Additionally, each non-employee director receives an annual grant of restricted units under our long-term incentive plan equal to approximately $110,000 in value that vests on the first anniversary of the date of issuance. Each grant compensates for future performance, and generally no portion of a restricted unit vests until the year after it is granted. If a director leaves the Board prior to a vest date for any reason other than a Change of Control (as defined under our long-term incentive plan), death or Permanent Disability, he or she will forfeit all or any portion of the restricted units that has not previously vested, unless vesting is otherwise accelerated at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. If the director’s service relationship ends due to a Change of Control or the director’s death or Permanent Disability, then the forfeiture restrictions lapse and the award vests in full. Permanent Disability means the director’s inability, with or without reasonable accommodation, by reason of illness, incapacity, or other disability, to perform his or her duties, as determined by the Board for a cumulative total of 180 days in any 12-month period. Each non-employee director is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the Board or committees.

The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2021, all compensation reportable for directors who served during 2021, as determined by SEC rules.

Director Compensation for 2021

This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, provides our unitholders with the opportunity to cast a pass-through advisory vote on the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. We are asking unitholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table, and the related compensation tables and narrative.

As described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee has structured our executive compensation program to tie total compensation to long-term performance that supports unitholder value, as reflected primarily in our common unit price.

We believe our compensation philosophy has served our employees and unitholders well. In 2021, as part of our corporate governance engagement with our unitholders, including both large and small investors, we met with representatives of unitholders owning over 40% of our common units. During these meetings, unitholders expressed no concerns with the manner in which our executive compensation program operates.

We urge unitholders to read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” as well as the Summary Compensation Table and related compensation tables and narrative, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” are effective in achieving our goals and that the compensation of our named executive officers has supported and contributed to our success.

The Board of Directors recommends that the unitholders vote in favor of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

Although this advisory vote is not binding, the Compensation Committee will consider the voting results when evaluating our executive compensation program.

				The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, of our executive compensation as described in this Proxy Statement.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common units as of March 21, 2022 (except as otherwise indicated) by (i) each person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common units, (ii) each of the executive officers of the General Partner, (iii) each of the directors of the General Partner, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to any interests of the reporting person’s spouse, we believe that the beneficial owners of common units listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, have sole voting and investment power with respect to such common units. As of March 21, 2022, we had 97,978,074 common units outstanding.

At Crestwood, sustainability means operating in an ethically, environmentally and socially responsible manner; focusing on safety; respecting and supporting our communities; protecting the environment; and developing our employees.

In November 2021, we developed Crestwood’s second three-year sustainability strategy which outlines the focus areas for Crestwood’s ESG/sustainability initiatives that will continue to drive its performance, create impact and maintain its MLP ESG midstream leadership position. The development of our 2022 - 2024 sustainability strategy is a result of our recent materiality assessment update, which includes input from key stakeholders and investors.

Over the next three years, our sustainability strategy will focus on Supply Chain Management, Transparency and Disclosure, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection, Carbon Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Indigenous Relations.

Carbon Management Plan

Carbon management a leading component of Crestwood’s three-year sustainability strategy. Our recently published carbon management plan outlines near-term emissions reduction activities that we intend to implement and highlights not only a series of commitments, but also the mechanisms for achievement of those commitments as we continue to expand our leading Gathering and Processing asset portfolio. For more information on our Carbon Management Plan, see https://www.crestwoodlp.com/sustainability.

Sustainability and ESG Highlights

In 2021, Crestwood continued to demonstrate MLP midstream industry leading ESG performance.

Crestwood’s Approach to ESG Continues to Rank Best-in-Class in the Midstream Sector

Our Sustainability Reporting

Crestwood provides its stakeholders with open, transparent reporting and discussion on sustainability and ESG performance. Our 2020 Sustainability Report — our 3rd annual — follows best practice in ESG reporting and provides more detailed disclosure of our ESG performance. Our ESG reporting is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Midstream Framework, the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the EIC/GPA ESG Reporting Framework. Our 2021 sustainability report is on track for an early June 2022 issuance.

For more information on Crestwood’s approach to sustainability, please visit https://esg.crestwoodlp.com

Human Capital Management

Crestwood knows that it is crucial that we continue to attract and retain talent. Through our diverse and inclusive workplace, our comprehensive compensation and benefits, our career management, and our focus on health, safety and employee wellbeing, we strive to holistically support our employees.

Our innovation stems from the diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences of our employees. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) starts at the top with a highly skilled and diverse Board. Of our independent directors, 30 percent are female. As of December 31, 2021, of our 645 employees, women represented 30 percent of Crestwood’s full-time executive positions and 22 percent of full-time employees. Our Sustainability Committee at the board-level has oversight of our DEI programs.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Introduction

We do not directly employ any of the persons responsible for managing the Partnership. The General Partner currently manages our operations and activities, and its board of directors (i.e. the Board) and officers make decisions on our behalf. The compensation of the directors and the executive officers of the General Partner is determined by the Board based on the recommendations of our Compensation Committee.

All of the executive officers of the Partnership also serve in the same capacities as executive officers of the Partnership’s subsidiaries and the compensation of the named executive officers (“NEOs”) discussed below reflects total compensation for services to all Crestwood entities described in more detail below.

For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis our NEOs for Fiscal 2021 were comprised of:

The titles set forth beside each NEO above are current as of the date of this filing. During the 2021 calendar year, in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Phillips also served as our President. Mr. Halpin served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer during the 2021 calendar year, although effective January 18, 2022, Mr. Halpin was promoted to the role of President, also retaining his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

We employ a compensation philosophy that emphasizes pay for performance. The primary measure of our long-term performance is total shareholder return (TSR). We believe that by tying a substantial portion of each NEO’s total compensation to financial, operational and safety performance metrics that support TSR, our pay-for-performance approach aligns the interests of our executive officers with that of our unitholders. Accordingly, the objectives of our total compensation program consist of:

By accomplishing these objectives, we intend to optimize long-term unitholder value.

Compensation Setting Process

Performance Evaluation

For the CEO, in Fiscal 2021, the Board met in executive session without management present to review the CEO’s performance in the areas of financial results, operational safety and efficiency, progress against ESG and sustainability goals, and leadership team development, among other areas of focus designed to align with increasing long term unitholder value. In this session, the Board also reviewed:

The Compensation Committee used these evaluations and competitive market data to determine CEO compensation. For all NEOs except the CEO, the Compensation Committee reviewed the CEO’s recommendations, including supporting market data, and individual performance assessments. In addition, the Compensation Committee reviewed the reasonableness of the CEO’s pay recommendations for NEOs based on a competitive market study that includes proxy and annual report data from the approved comparator peer group and published compensation survey data (discussed further below). Based on this input, the Compensation Committee determined compensation for the other NEOs. The Board then reviewed and ratified all aspects of executive compensation based on the reports and recommendations from the Compensation Committee.

Role of CEO and Management

The Compensation Committee relies on the CEO and management for certain inputs into the compensation setting process. Our compensation consultant provides the CEO with data from the annual proxy statements and annual reports of companies in our comparator group along with pay information compiled from nationally recognized executive and industry-related compensation surveys. Our CEO then uses this data to analyze pay practices among companies in the comparator group in order to help the Compensation Committee asses the market as a whole. The CEO also:

Our CEO makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to financial metrics to be used and determination of performance for performance-based awards. He also makes recommendations regarding non-CEO executive compensation, which may be based on our performance, individual performance and the peer group compensation market analysis. The Compensation Committee considers these recommendations when establishing the total compensation packages of our executive officers.

The CEO’s performance and compensation is reviewed, evaluated and established separately by the Compensation Committee and the full Board based on criteria similar to those used for non-CEO executive compensation.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

Willis Towers Watson serves as our third-party compensation consultant. Our Compensation Committee believe it is beneficial to have a third-party analysis to assist in evaluating and setting executive compensation. The Compensation Committee, in consultation with management, chose Willis Towers Watson based on its extensive experience in providing executive compensation advice, including specific experience in the oil and gas industry. For Fiscal 2021, Willis Towers Watson provided the Compensation Committee with an analysis of our executive compensation programs, including total direct compensation comprised of base salary, annual incentive and long-term incentive compensation, in order to assess the competitiveness of our programs and to provide conclusions and recommendations. Our Compensation Committee has taken and will take into consideration the discussions, guidance and compensation studies produced by our compensation consultant to make compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee has assessed the independence of the compensation consultant and has concluded that the compensation consultant’s work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflict of interest.

Competitive Benchmarking and Peer Group

Our Compensation Committee considers competitive industry data in making executive pay determinations. Pursuant to our Compensation Committee’s decisions to maintain a peer group for executive compensation purposes and in view of evolving industry and competitive conditions, Willis Towers Watson, with the assistance of management, proposed certain peer group companies for our Compensation Committee’s review.

After discussion with Willis Towers Watson and reviewing its recommendation of a peer group based on companies with annual revenues, assets and net income similar to ours and taking into account geographic footprint and employee count, our Compensation Committee determined that the peer group listed below was the most appropriate for purposes of the 2021 executive compensation analyses.

Willis Towers Watson compiled compensation data for the peer group from a variety of sources, including proxy statements and other publicly filed documents, and compiled published survey compensation data from multiple sources. This compensation data was then presented to the Compensation Committee and used to compare the compensation of our NEOs to our peer group where the peer group had individuals serving in similar positions and to the market. The Compensation Committee generally strives to maintain target base salary and short-term incentives in the range of the 50th percentile of market. Provided management maintains a high level of performance, executes well against Partnership goals, and creates long term value for unitholders, the Compensation Committee targets expected long-term incentive opportunities in the range of the 75th percentile of market.

Elements of Compensation

The principal elements of compensation for the NEOs are the following:

Base Salary

Base salary is designed to compensate executives commensurate with the level of the position they hold and for sustained individual performance (including experience, scope of responsibility, results achieved and potential). The initial base salaries for our NEOs were determined in 2013 and documented in employment agreements we entered into with each of our executive officers (the, “Executive Employment Agreements”) in January 2014. For a more detailed description of the Executive Employment Agreements, see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table - Employment Agreements” in this proxy statement.

Base salaries for our NEOs are reviewed on an annual basis and at the time of promotion or other change in responsibilities. In determining the amount of any adjustments, the Compensation Committee uses market data as a tool for assessing the reasonableness of the base salary amounts of the NEOs as compared to the compensation of executives in similar positions with similar responsibility levels in our industry. However, the final determination of base salary amounts was within the Compensation Committee’s discretion. The annual base salaries for our NEOs are as follows: Mr. Phillips ($800,000), Mr. Halpin ($500,000), Mr. Dougherty ($435,000), Mr. Lambert ($470,000) and Mr. Moore ($395,000).

In connection with Mr. Halpin’s promotion to President in January 2022, his base salary was set at $600,000 for the 2022 calendar year. This amount was determined by reviewing the market data for comparable executive officer roles at our peer companies.

Annual Incentive Awards

Incentive bonuses are granted based on a percentage of each NEO’s base salary. Incentive awards are designed to reward the performance of key employees, including the NEO’s, by providing annual incentive opportunities for the Partnership’s achievement of its annual financial, operational, and individual performance goals. These bonus awards are provided to the NEOs in order to provide competitive incentives to these individuals who can significantly impact performance and promote achievement of our short-term business objectives.

Annual incentive target payouts were initially established for each of our NEOs pursuant to their Executive Employment Agreements. For a more detailed description of the Executive Employment Agreements, see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table - Employment Agreements” in this proxy statement. The annual target bonus

amounts of our NEOs are reviewed on an annual basis and at the time of promotion or other change in responsibilities. In determining the amount of any adjustments, the Compensation Committee uses market data as a tool for assessing the reasonableness of the annual incentive targets of the NEOs as compared to executives in similar positions with similar responsibility levels in our industry. However, the final determination of annual target bonus amounts is within the Compensation Committee’s discretion.

Actual annual incentive awards for 2021 were determined based on our achievement of Compensation Committee approved key performance indicators (“KPIs”) and a board discretionary component. The KPIs for Fiscal 2021 were distributable cash flow per common unit, adjusted EBITDA, total shareholder return relative to peers, safety, and sustainability. Each KPI is then weighted based on the relative impact to our overall compensation philosophy and objectives. Actual results between the minimum and maximum target thresholds are pro-rated based on the percentage of target reached. Actual results above the maximum threshold are capped at 140% and results below 40% achievement result in 0% achievement for that KPI, excluding total unitholder return relative to peers. The board discretionary component allows the Board the ability to increase the total recommended bonus pool as much as 25% or decrease the bonus pool by as much as 20% based on qualitative factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Based on the company’s KPI achievement, the annual incentive bonus pool for Fiscal 2021 was calculated at 132% of target. The Board then utilized its discretionary authority to increase the recommended bonus pool by 124%, resulting in a final bonus payout of 164% of target. The Board cited management’s COVID-19 response and execution, record financial and operating performance, ESG leadership, and the completion of several strategic transactions as the rationale for increasing the bonus pool.

Individual Performance

After adjustments for KPI achievement, the actual bonus amount paid to the individual NEO is then further adjusted based on the individual performance review for such NEO. Bob Phillips, Robert Halpin, Steven Dougherty, and William Moore received the highest performance rating of “1” which increased the actual percentage for such individuals to 200% of target, which is equivalent to the company-wide target payout for “1” performance ratings. Mr. Lambert received the second highest performance rating of “2” which increased the actual percentage for such individuals to 175% of target, which is equivalent to the company-wide target payout for “2” performance ratings.

Some of the factors that impact an individual performance review of an NEO include: (i) whether or not we achieved the goals established for the year and any notable shortfalls relative to expectations; (ii) the level of difficulty associated with achieving such objectives based on the opportunities and challenges encountered during the year; (iii) current year operating and financial performance relative to both public guidance and prior year’s performance; (iv) significant transactions or accomplishments for the period not included in the goals for the year; (v) our relative prospects at the end of the year with respect to future growth and performance; and (vi) our equity price performance and returns during the year and our positioning at the end of the year with respect to our targeted leverage metrics and credit profile.

During 2021, the executive leadership team successfully led the organization through a very challenging and unprecedented year and worked closely to achieve the vast majority of the goals set at the beginning of the year.

The 2021 annual incentive cash payouts were as follows:

Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards

Long term incentive awards for the NEOs are granted under the Crestwood Equity Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) to promote achievement of our primary long-term strategic business objective of increasing TSR. This plan was designed to align the economic interests of key employees and directors with those of our unitholders and to provide an incentive to management for continuous employment with the Partnership. Long-term incentive compensation is based upon the common units representing limited partnership interests in us. For Fiscal 2021, awards under the LTIP consisted of: (i) the standard annual grant of restricted units, (ii) two interim grants of restricted units and (iii) performance unit awards.

Annual Restricted Unit Awards

The initial annual long-term equity incentive targets for our NEOs were established in their Employment Agreements. For a more detailed description of the Executive Employment Agreements, see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table - Employment Agreements” in this proxy statement. The annual target long-term equity incentives for our NEOs are reviewed on an annual basis and at the time of promotion or other changes in responsibilities. In determining the amount of any adjustments, the Compensation Committee uses market data as a tool for assessing the reasonableness of long-term

incentive targets of the NEOs as compared to executives in similar positions with similar responsibility levels in our industry. However, the final determination of long-term equity awards is within the Compensation Committee’s discretion. The following annual restricted unit awards were made to our NEOs in 2021:

Interim Restricted Unit Awards

In addition to annual incentive awards, from time to time the Compensation Committee may recommend and have the Board ratify and approve off-cycle discretionary restricted unit awards. These discretionary awards are designed to incentivize key employees to remain employed by the Partnership on a longer-term basis.

On December 17, 2020, the Board approved interim restricted unit awards to the NEOs to be issued on January 6, 2021. These awards vest fully three-years from the grant date. The Compensation Committee and the Board believes that a three-year “cliff” vesting schedule is appropriate to help secure a long-term commitment from each NEO. Despite the uncertainty early in 2020, we continued to outperform market peers and delivered record financial results. These discretionary grants were awarded to incentivize and reward employees over a long-term basis. With guidance from our outside executive compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee approved the unit pool and allocated the awards based on position and performance.

The restricted units granted on January 6, 2021 were as follows:

On December 10, 2021, the board approved a discretionary restricted unit award to the NEOs to be issued on December 27, 2021. These awards vest fully three-years from the grant date. The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that a three-year “cliff” vesting schedule is appropriate to help secure a long-term commitment from each NEO. Following the historic and record-breaking year of organizational and financial achievements as well as continuing to grow our award-winning sustainability program, the Compensation Committee and the Board chose to

reward certain employees with discretionary restricted unit awards. These awards were recommended by our outside executive compensation consultant and approved by the Compensation Committee and Board.

The restricted units granted on December 27, 2021 were as follows:

Performance Units

In addition to the annual restricted unit grants, our NEOs are eligible to receive performance phantom unit awards. In Fiscal 2021, each of our NEOs received a grant of performance phantom units. These performance phantom units vest over a three-year performance period and are paid out based on a performance multiplier ranging between 50% and 200%, with the determination based on the actual performance in the third year of the performance period compared to pre-established performance goals. The performance goals were based on achieving a specified level of adjusted EBITDA, distributable cash flow per unit, and three-year relative total shareholder return, based on the Partnership’s percentile ranking as compared with companies that are contained in the Alerian MLP Index at the time the goals were set. The Compensation Committee selected these metrics because we believe these are the key value indicators for our unitholders and will most closely align the interests of our NEOs with those of our unitholders. The Compensation Committee then weighted the three performance measures as follows:

For all performance phantom unit grants, the last year of the respective performance period is used to measure whether the performance goal is achieved. The payout multiplier for performance equal to or greater than the threshold is determined on a linear scale between performance levels. The Compensation Committee has the discretion to revise the performance unit metrics based on any mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures that occur during the performance period.

In making the 2021 performance phantom unit grants to our NEOs, the Compensation Committee considered peer benchmarking data specific to each NEO and each NEO’s contribution to our long-term growth.

Based on this analysis, the Compensation Committee approved the following grants of performance units to our named executive officers on February 16, 2021:

The performance units are entitled to partnership distributions in the same amount that would be payable to the holder of common units. However, distributions paid on performance units are paid in additional performance units in lieu of cash and such additional performance units are subject to the same performance, vesting and forfeiture provisions as the original performance phantom units. For performance units granted in 2021, the value of the distributions is converted into units each quarter based on the closing price of CEQP units on the payment date.

Other Compensation Related Matters

Retirement and Health Benefits

We offer a variety of health and welfare and retirement programs to all eligible employees. The NEOs are eligible for these programs on the same basis as other employees. We maintain a 401(k) retirement plan that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. We match 6% of the deferral to the retirement plan (not to exceed the maximum amount permitted by law) made by eligible participants. Our named executive officers are also eligible to participate in additional employee benefits available to our other employees.

Prerequisites and Other Compensation

We do not provide perquisites or other personal benefits to any of the NEOs.

Tax Considerations

With respect to the deduction limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code, we are a limited partnership and do not meet the definition of a “corporation” under Section 162(m). Thus, the compensation that we pay to our employees is not subject to the deduction limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Anti-Hedging Policy

Under our trading policies, directors, executive officers, and other employees, as well as persons sharing their households or their designees, are prohibited from engaging in any speculative, hedging, or derivative security transaction that primarily involves or references CEQP securities.

Unitholder Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

As described above in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) section of this proxy statement, we believe our compensation program is effective, appropriate and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our unitholders and that the total compensation provided to the NEOs (including potential payouts upon a termination or change of control) is reasonable and not excessive. As you consider this proposal, we urge you to read the CD&A section of this proxy statement for additional details on executive compensation, including the more detailed information

about our compensation philosophy and objectives, and to review the tabular disclosures regarding NEO compensation together with the accompanying narrative disclosures in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2012, as well as Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder, enables our unitholders the opportunity to express their views, on an advisory basis, on the compensation of the named executive officers. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of the named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement.

As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding on the Board or the Compensation Committee, will not overrule any decisions made by the Board or the Compensation Committee or require the Board or the Compensation Committee to take any action. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our unitholders and will carefully consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions. In particular, to the extent there is any significant vote against the named executive officers’ compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, we will consider our unitholders’ concerns, and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee, which is composed solely of independent members of the Board of Directors, assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to, among other things, establishing and reviewing compensation of the Partnership’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Partnership’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis and, based on the review and discussion, recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

The Compensation Committee

Clay Williams (Chair)

N. John Lancaster, Jr.

Angela Minas

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2021, the compensation reportable for the named executive officers, as determined by SEC rules.

2021 Summary Compensation Table